Barley, fresh from the harvest, in a warm orange-brown shade

by Silva Wischeropp

This delicate, idyllic nature photograph was taken during the late autumn evening hours at the ‘golden hour’ in the Blankenfelde-Pankow Botanical Public Park on 26 September 2026 using a NIKON D800 camera (lens: NIKKOR 24.0–70.0 mm f/2.8).

The bokeh effect lends this nature scene a very special charm and creates a harmonious atmosphere in any living space.

Reducing the colour values to classic black and white, followed by colourisation in soft, warm reddish-brown to orange-brown tones, gives this floral motif a dreamlike, elegant yet playful, timeless atmosphere.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a cereal belonging to the grass family and has long been cultivated as food and animal feed. It is known for its adaptability to various climatic conditions and soil types. Barley is mainly used as a feed grain, but also for the production of malt for beer and spirits, as well as for human consumption.

Barley is an annual plant with erect or geniculate stems and spikelike inflorescences.
There are two types: winter barley and spring barley, with winter barley sown in autumn and spring barley in spring.
Barley thrives best in deep, well-drained soils, but can also be grown under less favourable conditions.
The plant is less hardy than wheat or rye.
Barley contains 60–70 per cent carbohydrates (starch), 11 per cent protein, 10 per cent fibre and 2 per cent each of fat and minerals, once the husks have been removed.
Barley contains beta-glucans, which can have a positive effect on cholesterol and blood sugar levels.